Modern Day Sabbath | Why, When, & Exactly HOW to Do It
How refreshed would you feel if you took off one day every week? What if, for 24 hours, you didn't work, didn't fret over cleaning or running errands, and didn't feel the pressure to check items off your to-do list at the first sign of free time?
What if, for just one day a week, you refused to feel guilty for resting? You would be participating in a modern day sabbath.
Do We Have Time For a Modern Day Sabbath?
Now I know what you're thinking. If only I didn't have so much to do!
And I feel you! I work 40 hours a week, log 10-15 hours a week at a second job, and act as my child's primary caregiver 6-7 hours every weekday, and all day weekends. Add in homework, sports, and extended family, and we're booked!
So the idea of taking one day off a week sounded impossible and frankly, irresponsible, when I first considered it. But man, I desperately needed a day of worship and rest!
What I found was that I was constantly running on fumes when I pushed myself to the max seven days a week.
I was exhausted to the point of tears, was easily irritated with the people I loved most, and felt enormous guilt any time I gave myself a few minutes off, thinking about all of the productive things I should have accomplished with that time.
What God Says About Observing the Sabbath Day
I ultimately found I was worse at everything when I wasn't taking a regular day of rest. And that’s when I stumbled across Isaiah 58:13-14 (MSG) in my daily Bible reading:
“If you watch your step on the Sabbath and don’t use my holy day for personal advantage, if you treat the Sabbath as a day of joy, God’s holy day as a celebration, if you honor it by refusing ‘business as usual,’ making money, running here and there — Then you’ll be free to enjoy God! Oh, I’ll make you ride high and soar above it all. I’ll make you feast on the inheritance of your ancestor Jacob.” Yes! God says so!
The concept of sabbath in the Old Testament was that on the seventh day of the week, people would stop working. They'd spend the day attending church, spending time with their family and friends, and avoiding checking any items off their to-do lists, all with the intention of honoring God. And it wasn’t just an Old Testament sabbath law!
In the New Testament, Jesus referred to himself as “Lord of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27-28). He explained that we were not created to serve the sabbath day, but that the sabbath day was created to serve and help us.
In Romans 14, the Apostle Paul further discusses that everything you do on a holy day (alluding to the sabbath) should be done to the glory of God.
What Does a Modern Day Sabbath Look Like?
So what does that mean for modern times? Because life in the Old Testament 2000 years ago was obviously very different (and likely less busy) than it is now.
What things can you do to rest and honor God on a modern day sabbath?
- Refrain from work, or from checking items off your to-do list.
- Attend church (commanded in Leviticus 23:3 and 1 Corinthians 11:18).
- Invest extra time into worshiping God, and reading and studying the Bible.
- Focus on spending quality time with family and friends.
- Invest time in serving others.
- Minimize housework as much as possible. I mean, don't leave out food that brings all the bugs to the yard, but don't make this the day you vacuum the entire house or scrub the bathtub.
- Keep meals low-key (think crockpot dumps, sandwiches, or ordering a pizza).
- Avoid mindless and potentially stressful technology, like scrolling social media or checking emails.
- Switch things up from your normal day-to-day. So if you spend 40-50 hours a week at a desk, take a walk or visit a park. If you spend your week on your feet in the hot sun, sit down in a cool room and allow your body to rest.
- Invest time into those things you've been meaning to do for yourself. Take a relaxing bath, watch a movie, or log time with a hobby, like writing, knitting, or biking.
What About My To-Do List?
But what about all of the other things you intended to do that day? After all, it’s rare to experience a day in which you have absolutely nothing to check off your list.
What about grocery shopping, paying bills, and filling out that paperwork you were supposed to complete last week?
As I prepared for my first modern day sabbath, I had to decide where to fit all of those tasks elsewhere in my week. Yes, I made the other six days of the week slightly more stressful...in order to create one truly carefree sabbath day.
God helped His people accomplish this in the Bible. While He was sending the Israelites their daily manna in the desert, He would always send a double portion of manna on the sixth day, to allow the Israelites to rest from work on the seventh day of the week, their sabbath.
And I believe God does the same for us today. I find it challenging to work full-time and invest time into my side gig — writing and website management. So imagine my fear at the thought of not working at either job for an entire day every week!
But as I began to practice a modern day sabbath, I found that I was accomplishing more on my side gig throughout the week. I was more focused and energized, and knocking out my work in nearly half the time.
I sincerely believe that God blesses our efforts to honor Him, and won’t leave us with work hanging over our heads. It was difficult to believe that at first. But week after week of experiencing God provide helped to settle my mind and heart that the work would be completed.
On my first attempt at a day of rest, I probably got up from my chair 30 times to start a task...then sat back down as I remembered I was observing the sabbath.
And I've gotta tell you...giving myself the permission, the command even, to rest and focus on my faith and family for 24 hours? It felt like an overwhelming breath of fresh air.
And when I returned to my job, side gig, and general chaos the following day? I felt refreshed, and experienced a surge of energy that I hadn't felt in months.
Do I Have to Practice the Sabbath on a Saturday or Sunday?
The answer to this question really depends on who you talk to.
Some people insist that God directed us in the Ten Commandments to observe the sabbath on the seventh day of the week, Saturday. Others take it a step further to argue that the sabbath should start Friday at sundown and last until Saturday at sundown.
Still others practice the sabbath on Sundays. They're following the guidance of early Christians who began observing the sabbath on the first day of the week to honor the day Jesus rose from the grave - the "Lord's Day."
Here's a bit of a breakdown:
Historically:
- Early Christians (1st–2nd century) began meeting on the first day of the week, Sunday, for worship (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).
- For several centuries, some Christians still kept Saturday as the Sabbath while also gathering on Sunday.
- By the 4th century, Sunday observance became the dominant practice in most of the Christian world.
Today:
- Jewish Christians, Seventh-day Adventists, and some other groups keep Saturday as the Sabbath day.
- Most Christian denominations observe Sunday as their primary day of rest and worship.
I personally grew up with a dad who was a police officer and worked an unpredictable schedule (with loads of weekend and holiday shifts) not because he was putting his job before his faith, but because his God-given gifts led him into a ministry of protecting people at all days and times.
For this reason, we often practiced the spirit of the sabbath on non-traditional days...and occasionally celebrated Christmas and Easter as a family on days that were technically not Christmas or Easter.
When I first started observing the sabbath as an adult, I was trapped in a Sunday-Thursday work schedule. That led me to observe the sabbath on Saturdays. I dedicated the day to rest and attended a Saturday night church service with my family.
I'm of the mindset that if you work weekends and can't get out of it (Hi, Dad!), you could even observe a dedicated weekday of rest and worship. People have argued vehemently with me about that, insisting it's sacrilege and demanding to know what kind of biblical training I've received to even have an opinion. (I received my bachelor's and master's degrees at Christian universities with heavy biblical studies and have served in ministry for 25 years, where I've received countless Bible, ministry, and leadership trainings, but I'm not a pastor or Bible scholar, so...you can take or leave my opinion.).
But I always come back to this story in the New Testament:
One Sabbath, Jesus was strolling with his disciples through a field of ripe grain. Hungry, the disciples were pulling off the heads of grain and munching on them. Some Pharisees reported them to Jesus: “Your disciples are breaking the Sabbath rules!”
Jesus said, “Really? Didn’t you ever read what David and his companions did when they were hungry, how they entered the sanctuary and ate fresh bread off the altar, bread that no one but priests were allowed to eat? And didn’t you ever read in God’s Law that priests carrying out their Temple duties break Sabbath rules all the time and it’s not held against them?
“There is far more at stake here than religion. If you had any idea what this Scripture meant—‘I prefer a flexible heart to an inflexible ritual’—you wouldn’t be nitpicking like this. The Son of Man is no yes-man to the Sabbath; he’s in charge.” (Matthew 12:1-8, MSG)
I interpret this passage to mean that God is after our hearts when it comes to the Sabbath day of rest, rather than after an "inflexible ritual." You might interpret it differently, and that's okay!
Study Scripture for yourself and pray for God to enlighten you and reveal to you how and when you should observe a regular day of rest.
It's your turn! How will you practice a modern day sabbath?
I challenge you to try practicing your own modern day sabbath. It’s not only an act of obedience to God’s commands, but also an act of love…as we commit one of our most valuable resources, our time, to our Father and Lord.
And the return on that obedience? It’s the rest and refreshment you desperately need.
What will your modern day sabbath look and feel like? I can’t wait to hear about it!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I start observing the sabbath today if a full day of rest seems too challenging?
You can start small by setting aside a few hours each week for rest and reflection. Turn off your phone and avoid checking social media or emails during this time.
Consider:
- Spending time in prayer or reading the Bible or Christian books.
- Taking a walk in nature or sitting quietly in your yard.
- Spending time with family or friends by enjoying a meal together, playing board games, or engaging in distraction-free conversations.
Once you've mastered investing an hour or two into quality time, bump your "sabbath time" up to 3 hours, then 4. Keep adding on time until you've reached a full day of worship and rest.
What did the transition from Saturday to Sunday morning worship involve historically?
While the sabbath law was originally set for observation on the seventh day of the week (Saturday), early Christians began meeting on Sundays to remember Jesus' resurrection that took place on the first day of the week.
In 321 AD, Roman Emperor Constantine made Sunday the official day of rest. This helped to establish Sunday worship across the Roman Empire.
Some Christian groups continued to observe Saturday as the sabbath day, while others adopted Sunday as their primary day of worship and rest. This shift happened gradually over several centuries, with different Christian communities making the transition at different times.
What activities are traditionally avoided on days of sabbath rest and why?
Most sabbath observers avoid:
- Work and business activities
- Shopping
- Household chores
- Activities that cause stress or worry, like paying bills or dealing with difficult problems
Some household chores can't be avoided, like feeding your family. Many families choose to keep meals as simple as possible on their day of sabbath rest by either preparing meals in advance or minimizing their efforts with simple crockpot dumps the day of.
The goal is to rest your mind and body. Any activity that feels like work or creates anxiety goes against the concept of sabbath.
How did early Christians honor the sabbath day of worship in the New Testament?
Early Christians in the New Testament practiced the day of sabbath rest by:
- Studying Scripture and praying more than usual.
- Gathering with other believers for worship, prayer, teaching, and fellowship.
- Serving others in need.
- Participating in acts of compassion and kindness.
Which day is commonly recognized as the sabbath in different faiths?
Most Christian churches practice their day of worship and rest on Sunday. Like early Christians, they consider this to be the Lord's Day because Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week.
Jewish Christians observe the sabbath from Friday evening to Saturday evening, while Seventh-day Adventists keep Saturday as their sabbath day. Both Jewish Christians and Seventh-day Adventists believe the Old Testament seventh-day sabbath should still apply, even in modern times.
Some Christian groups observe both days, attending church on Sunday but observing a day of rest on Saturday.
How can families incorporate sabbath practices into their weekly routine?
Trying starting your sabbath with a meal together! Light candles and say a blessing to mark the beginning of your sabbath day. Use your best dishes or start a family tradition to make it special.
Create a few simple rules that everyone can follow. For example, no homework, social media, video games, or stressful activities during your sabbath observance.
Plan a few activities for the day that bring your family closer.
Read stories together, enjoy a game night, or take a walk in your neighborhood. Letting your children help choose some sabbath activities and daily rhythms will make them more excited about the special day.
And keep the same Sabbath schedule every week! This will help your family know what to expect and build good habits.
P.S. Need a little help getting a solid handle on your to-do list? Then nab our free Tame the Overwhelm worksheets here!
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The day i was looking for the meaning of sabbath...This post has just overwhelmed me with Joy... Every single explanation warmly laid & written. Thank you pliz...just may I know personally who wrote all this.. Just remain bless as ever dear...
Googwa israel from Kampala- Uganda. East Africa.
Thank you! I'm so very happy you enjoyed it. 🙂 -Deb
It is fine to practice Sabbath on a day that isn’t Friday evening to Saturday evening right? I’ve met someone say it has to be Friday, and if we’re going to practice the Sabbath it has to be the real Sabbath. And that why would you choose a day that’s convenient for you, instead of what God has ordained as the Sabbath. It really put me off because it felt super legalistic.
Hi, Athena! While I'm sure some would disagree, I believe the arrival of Jesus shifted the focus from strictly adhering to very specific guidelines, to doing all things with the right heart. We live in an age where we can't always guarantee we won't work on a Saturday or Sunday. Sure, we can express our preferences to our employer, but many positions and entire industries (industries where God has called us to serve and witness) don't have the resources or ability to meet those preferences. Even though I work on Sundays, I still strongly believe in practicing the Sabbath and believe it is God's desire for my life as well. If you read His word, pray over the words, and do all things with the right heart, I do believe God both accepts and honors those efforts. Thanks so much for reading!!
We are commanded to observe Shabbat from Sundown Friday until sundown Saturday. This is God’s appointed time for us to observe. We aren’t to pick and choose what day to observe it on.
Jesus is God robed in flesh and Jesus did not teach anything new that wasn’t taught in the Old Testament. He did not “shift focus” as you say.
I believe each of us must know God personally, read and interpret Scripture for ourselves, and follow the direction the Lord places on our hearts.
For me personally, I read Matthew chapter 5 as Jesus confirming that it's not that the law isn't important, but that our heart behind it is more important. He says that He came to fulfill the law, then tells us that while the law allows for divorce, He's concerned with our hearts, that while the law allows for oaths, there is no need for oaths, just a simple yes or no, etc. Jesus Himself broke the Sabbath by healing a man and His disciples broke it to pick grain when they were hungry.
To me, all of this means that God is concerned with my heart more than the day on the calendar. And in a world where people work every day and hour of the week...and the entire world doesn't shut down on Saturday like it did in Bible times...and the job that puts food on the table and that I very much believe was given to me by God requires me to work 3pm-midnight over the weekend...I believe God is looking for the right heart rather than the right day.
But this is just for me! The Bible tells us in James 4:17 that if you feel led to do a certain thing and don't, it's sin for you. And if you or others feel personally convicted that the Sabbath must land on a certain date, then you should certainly adhere to that conviction.
Wishing you well, friend!
Well said! Thank you so much for all of this. Today is my first day observing the Sabbath, and I’m a little confused how to do this in today’s society but I’m praying on it. This was very helpful. God led me here today. He is good 🙏🏼💛
Thanks so much for reading, Lauren! And a huge congratulations to observing your first Sabbath! <3 You'll likely find it difficult at first, as you realize just how little we actually rest in our day-to-day dealings and as a society in general. But with every step you take, it will come more easily. And I know you'll find your heart slowly learning the rhythms of true rest. God bless you!
Exactly! It’s in the bible which day to observe the sabbath and choosing the day certainly is not an option!
I agree with you. That is the day He commanded. Friday evening to Saturday evening. Not to be legalistic but when you stand before Yahuah you can't say I broke your laws but it's ok because my heart was in the right place and I had good intentions.
Have you considered that when we stand before God, who is also Christ, we will be standing before Someone Who broke the Sabbath Himself by healing a man? and Who rationalized that it would make no sense to decline rescuing a child or animal from a well just because they fell inside on the Sabbath? And what about those who spent the most time with Him in person, His disciples, breaking the Sabbath to pick grain when they were hungry? Of course, we don't come close to Christ and His disciples - they're on a different playing field, obviously - but it does make me question His stance on legalism.
I learned from Dr. Jeremiah Sabbath on Saturday specifically was the only one of the 10 commandments changed in the new testament. All the other commandments still stand as they were first written. We still honor a day of rest but it was no longer required on Saturday. To be clear, Jesus was a perfect jew and obeyed all Jewish law. As a perfect observer of the Law, He was the only one worthy to be sacrificed and ultimately atone for our sins. 🙂
Finding this was timely. I worked 18 hours a day as a single mom and sole caretaker. Today, 5 years an empty nester, I still can pack too much in my day with two 501(c)(3)s and work. Thank you so much!
I can only imagine how difficult it was to observe a true rest while juggling so much! (I think the Sabbath is most difficult for single parents, caretakers, those working multiple jobs, etc.) I'm sure after running at that pace for so long, it's difficult to get out of the habit! Thanks so much for weighing in. Wishing you the best!
Catholics changed the Sabbath to Sunday to conform to a pagan worship of the Sun Day to get them to except the faith. They changed a lot of stuff that they had no right to to try to draw pagans in. Like Easter. Which is not Yeshua resurrection day but it was a pagan holiday to honor Ashtarte or Ishtar the Sumerian and Babylonian goddess of fertility. Which is why you get a rabbit laying eggs.
Catholics still practice the Sabbath on Saturdays and come together to worship God on Sundays, the "Lord's Day." Of course, if you feel a conviction to practice Sabbath from Friday evening to Saturday evening, or to abstain from celebrating Easter, you should certainly adhere to that conviction! James 4:17 says that if you feel led to do a certain thing and don’t, it’s sin for you.
However, all of the debates in this comments section keep bringing my heart back to Colossians 2:13-17 (ESV): "And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ."
I believe we waste a lot of time and energy (and cause unnecessary division) debating one another regarding the things of this world rather than shifting our focus to our own hearts (of which God will ultimately be the Judge) and fulfilling the calling of the Great Commission. With all of our forces combined and working together, we can make a real mark on eternity. ❤️
For me God has taken me on a journey that I didn't really even purposely enter into. Because of enlightenment and revelation to different principles that the modern church practices that are not really biblically based on the original practices of the Christian church for the 1st 3 centuries AD and certainly l ike in the days of Peter and st. Paul.
There are certainly many godly people in the 1st day of the week worshippers still that have not gotten the revelation of the sanctity and command to keep the sabbath holy for Jesus is the Lord of the sabbath. As a result the concept even of sabbath rest in Christ is repelling with no real peace esp emotional and physically for those of worship on that 1st day. In fact even some bivocational pastor's work worldly jobs after church. Realtors are checking their computers to make contacts before going to church and after just getting all this mixed up.
I would say do not fear legalism by keeping the sabbath as a command from from God himself for as you know God said that the sabbath was made for man man not man not made for the sabbath. Legalism is to keep it like the orthodox Jews with the 39 restricted tenants of what they've shall not do so to speak. Also through deeper conviction I strongly recommend not supporting fast foods and restaurants eating out in commercial settings because you're causing other people to have to work the to serve you thus your spending money which is not supposed to be done in worldly contact. It can be helped. Do unto others as you would have them do on to you. Family time should not include going to commercial movies or big professional sporting events where you're paying to enter into it. Go out in the backyard and toss a soccer ball or passes.Take kids to play around and relax after church. Fellowship with nature taking a walk in a wonderfully green area. It's the abundance between rest from work and weanning interactions and purchases interaction. Instead emphasize time with family interaction with nature and fellowship together according to Hebrews 10:25 studying God's words, worshipping meditating, on God's word, prayer,singing worship songs and Christian music. It can be extended to watch Christian movies and listen to Christian ipod's radio shows as a more Contemporary version of a sabbath if that enhances your walk with God as well. Just a thought as God am hasshowed me now. There could be challenges if you lived in an unequally yoked home or relationship with other members had don't worship God or follow 1st day of the week rituals.I hope this encourages you.
Thanks so much for reading and for sharing your insight! It makes sense to avoid engaging in activities on the Sabbath that would cause others to work on the Sabbath. Plus, I generally feel the family activities you mentioned, which involve less consumerism and closer connections, are much more effective and enjoyable anyways! 🙂 And yes, it's a great callout that those in unequally-yoked homes may face challenges! I've even seen equally-yoked homes divided on this and other subjects, with one spouse feeling compelled to adhere to much stricter guidelines than the other. I believe, though, that as long as we're striving to honor the Sabbath and to keep our hearts in the right place, God will bless our efforts. We won't achieve perfection every time...if ever...but it's in our striving that our faith grows and deepens.
Which day is observed actually does matter. God inscribed (in stone) with His own finger The Ten Commandments. I'm referring to God's set of commandments where the Sabbath Day is discussed as the 4th Commandment. There is another set of commandments that were changed. I'm not talking about that set. Those aren't God's. There are scriptures that have been misconstrued as which day doesn't matter, but again, it actually does.
You're absolutely right, to honor the Sabbath is an undisputed commandment. Based on the wording in Scripture, however, I might interpret the commandment to mean the seventh day of the week or every seventh day. I'm certainly not a biblical scholar; my opinion is based strictly on my own experience studying the Bible personally, in Bible college classes, and through courses and trainings offered by my church. I'm not a person who can read and interpret the original Hebrew and I have an admittedly limited understanding of the history and culture of that time.
But if I look at the commandments just below that, I personally see a similar pattern. Jesus Himself broke the Sabbath by healing someone, then informed the religious scholars that they were missing the whole point if they felt His actions were wrong. Later, He taught that right, you shall not murder (the 6th commandment), but to even think hateful thoughts towards someone is to murder them in your heart. He also taught that you should not commit adultery (the 7th commandment), but that to focus on the physical act itself of committing adultery is to miss the heart of the commandment.
For these reasons, I believe the Sabbath is also a matter of the heart, rather than a strict matter of the calendar. But the Bible tells us in James 4:17 that if you feel led to do a certain thing and don’t, it’s sin for you. And if you or others feel personally convicted that the Sabbath must land on a certain date, then you should certainly adhere to that conviction. My point in writing this post was not to debate the day of the Sabbath, but to encourage fellow believers with practical tips for observing the Sabbath in a modern world.
I wish you well! 🙂
Broke the law? Really? He saved a mans life. It is not a sin to safe someones life. It isn't work to do a good deed by saving someone that is dieing or needs healing. He said that it doesn't go against the law of God. Please go read your bible proper before saying something like that. John 9:14 According to humans idea of what a law was broken... it says don't work. It never said that healing is against the law. And if not of God it wouldn't have been possible. You are giving off asif God is a grey area God that will move and shift His laws that He made?!
I agree that it makes perfect sense to heal someone, even on the Sabbath. Unfortunately, the Jews of that time did not.
Sabbath laws were much more strict than simply refraining from participating in manual labor. They forbade cooking, cutting fingernails, clapping, carrying anything that weighed more than a dried fig (crazy, I know), and more! (This is why the Jews were angry when Jesus told a healed man to pick up his mat and walk on the Sabbath in John 5:1–18.)
When it came to saving a life, they made concessions if the situation would otherwise result in immediate death. Outside of that, the doctor was only allowed to keep the person alive until the following day, when they were allowed to complete their life-saving treatment. So based on those laws, the Jews certainly viewed Jesus as breaking the Sabbath law. Notice that we are told Jesus never sinned, so though He healed people on the Sabbath, it was not a sin in God's eyes.
I don't believe God operates in gray areas. However I do believe, as in this instance of Jesus healing on the Sabbath, that God is concerned more with the heart of the matter.
Hey deb I am a 15 year old and struggle with keeping the sabbath every week because my family doesn’t keep it and they always ask me to do work on the sabbath and I wonder what I should say or what I should do and there are times where I wonder what day is the sabbath and it’s a question that’s been torturing my mind for months and hearing others say that it’s on Saturday and Sunday has only made it confusing and so if you could provide some insight on what to do I thank you but if you can’t could you pray for me
Hey there Martin,
I totally admire your commitment to honoring the sabbath, even when your family doesn't. Those are some of the hardest acts of faith, when you're the only one participating. I've done this for years, going to church on my own even when my family doesn't and it's tough every single time. I applaud you and am rooting for you!!
There are conflicting views on what day the Sabbath falls on. Some will argue it's Saturday, others will say it's Sunday. Others still (myself included) will say it can be whatever day allows you to give it your best effort. So for example, if Saturday is chore day at your house, aim to make your sabbath another day.
And I would encourage you to explain your heart to your parents! You could say you want to help out with chores or whatever else they have for you to do, but you're also aiming to observe the sabbath by taking a day of rest. Maybe they would consider assigning all of your work to you on one day rather than over several days. And if they're not open to it, just do the best you can to rest when you're not working! God sees your heart and all that you're trying to do and He will bless that! <3
I'll definitely be praying for you, Martin!
Thanks DEB and this might sound silly but what can I do on the sabbath are things like making your bed not allowed or folding things not allowed because I want to be honoring it not breaking it if you have any other ideas on how to spend the sabbath that would be awesome
Some very devout, very old school Jews would tell you not to make your bed or fold anything or boil an egg. But I think overthinking all of the small things you do might cause you to miss the point of it - since an entire day wondering "can I fold this?" and "can I make this in the kitchen?" would likely feel exhausting.
I think the most important thing is to adopt a mindset of rest. So save homework for other days, try (if possible) not to take on any big projects that day, and (I personally feel) take a break from social media. Apps like TikTok and Instagram will suck up your whole day with mindless scrolling and you really want to focus on taking rest and honoring God on the sabbath, rather than just zoning out with media. It's just as important (and maybe even more important) to think about what you will do on the Sabbath. Consider reading your Bible, spending quality time with your family, taking a hike at a park to enjoy God's creation, things like that.
It's also important to honor your parents as you honor the sabbath. My pastor once told me that my faith and devotion to God should never result in my disrespecting others. We want our words and actions to inspire others to follow God, not turn them away from Him. So ensure you're doing it all with kindness and respect towards your parents' wishes, at least while you're still living with them. 😀
Thanks DEB and your right when you say you don’t want to be disrespectful because I would always see the commandment of keeping the sabbath and then honoring your parents and wondered what If my parents ask me to work on the sabbath should I say no but then wouldn’t that be breaking the command to obey your parent’s
God ordained and hallowed the day for a reason. It acknowledges Creation and the creative power of God. It's a seal for us. It wasn't just for the Jews. The Sabbath was sanctified before there was ever any Jews. It was ordained by number not days of the week. Saturday is the 7th day. Look up what Sunday means and why the Sabbath was changed to Sunday. It was not changed by God. Bible history and the Jews help identify the correct day in our time . The are other scriptures that point to these truths.
That's a fantastic point. I've read that the Christian church chose to move the day to Sunday to celebrate and rest on the day of Christ's resurrection versus the Jewish observance of Saturdays. I'm sure we could dive into that decision and argue between one biblical scholar's point of view and another's (as I know theologians themselves are divided on the topic), but I believe to argue the day would be to miss the point of this particular post. As mentioned in another reply, I simply hope to encourage and better equip fellow believers to pursue a deeper faith. I believe God will honor our very best efforts and complete them in Himself.
Deb, I am really thankful to have ran across this feed in figuring out my own personal journey when it comes to honoring God and partaking of the sabbath! Based on what I know of what scripture says and all the reading and comments, it’s true that taking the time to honor God and not being legalistic, but exercising and even being graceful with your spouse or children as we discover what it looks like for each of us individually! God bless Deb!
Thanks so much for reading and weighing in, Gao!!
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I want to commend you for writing such an article as this. It was well thought out and written. I like how you worded honoring the Sabbath day so much that I copied and pasted a lot of it into a Goggle Docs page to reference the next time I prepare a message on keeping the Sabbath day holy. So, thank you!
Thanks so much, Michelle! I'm so glad you found it helpful! <3
Beautifully written. The juxtaposition of Old Testament writings with Jesus’s actions and teachings really helped me see the shift in focus from legalism to the spirit of the law. Jesus taught on several occasions about how the Pharisees would meet the letter of the law, but fall drastically short in their hearts. He warned them even to their faces that this hypocrisy would face the ultimate judgment of the Lord.
Thank you for presenting Jesus’s teaching on the Sabbath so clearly.
Thanks so much for reading, Chris! I'm so glad you found it helpful!
Hey DEB so question if my parents ask me to do some work on the sabbath like mowing the lawn or washing the dishes should I listen and do what they say or no because it’s a day where we rest from work
Hey there, Martin! You should definitely obey your parents and do what they ask with a positive attitude! God commands us to honor our parents and really, it makes sense even for children who don't know God to honor their parents. It's the right thing to do. 🤷♀️
Plus honoring them is a fantastic witness to your faith! People will hear you say you love God and then see it in action - through serving your parents and family, being a good friend, living an honorable life, etc. - and your words and actions will back up and strengthen your profession of faith, making it that much more powerful!
I have an encouraging testimony regarding my son and the Sabbath. He works for a grocery store and was being promoted to be one of the managers. During this time he really got into his word and studying the whole Bible from the Torah to the new covenant. He really researched the Sabbath and prior to becoming manager he made the decision he wanted to be committed to keeping the Sabbath.
He prayed and wrote a letter to his lead at the store took it in shared his beliefs with them as they read his letter, they literally told him because of his convictions and at such a young age they would be more than happy to work with him and give him those days he needed.
He was was blessed with Saturdays off and he works early morning shifts Fridays. What I learned from my 22 year old son is that we forget the type of God we worship. His faith in the Father is why he was blessed, as this is not what should have happen, as a new manager. It was a faith builder because even though he works with great people, many or not believers.
All things are possible through him and if he calls for us to commit to Sabbath on the 7th day, if we have faith and believe and truly want to honor him he will move mountains for us.
As believers our faith get tested and sometimes it can show us where we are in our faith. If we lack faith and doubt in the almighty power of our Father, he can help us to grow in faith by us allowing him to step in and help us. We see that many times in the Bible, that he never breaks a promise to his true believers. I believe everyone has to come to their own convictions about many things in the Bible and God will bring us all to his truth in his timing. Absolutely if God calls me to help my neighbor on a Sabbath who is sick, of course I would do so. It's doing the will of the Father.
However, to go out and hang out with friends shopping and buying on a day that is meant to glorify the Father and be in his word, resting, praising and self reflecting on my spiritual walk and what I could do better to glorify God. He does call us to follow his commands and just like me and my son we had to get there and it's all about taking it to God not man because man has no heaven for any of us. We need to study those scriptures ourselves to make sure we are right with the father regardless what anyone says because we have to answer to God. I loved the post and much love and blessings to you all.
Thank you so much for sharing such an encouraging story, Gina! ❤️ And what inspirational faith and courage your son has at such a young age. Praise God!
Hello. I am looking for the name of the author of this article. I would like to use it at a resource in a course I am teaching.
Hi there, Reverend Green! I wrote this post - Deb Preston. 😀 Thanks so much for including my post in your course, I'm honored! ❤️
Hi ,
(Exodus 31:14 ) states :'God spoke to Moses, ‘Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it is to be put to death; those who do any work on that day must be cut off from their people.'
The verse is propounded
nicely in this article.
These consistent verses
highlight The Sabbath day_:
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(Deuteronomy 5 :14,15) says:God said to Moses," The seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maid servant, nor thine ox,nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy strang er that is within thy gates; that thy manservant & thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day."
'‘There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, a day of sacred assembly.You are not to do any work; wher ever you live, it is a sabbath to the Lord. '(Leviticus 23:3 )
(Genesis 2 : 2_3) says :' God Himself ended His work & rested on the seventh day. He blessed the seventh day, & sanctified it.'
The Old Covenant was a strict rule. This is seen in (Numbers 15:32-36):' On one occasion a man was arrested, incarcerated & later stone d to death because he picked up some sticks on the sabbath day. '
The New Covenant is not so. The reason is : 'The Son of man is Himself Lord of the Sabbath.'
This is stated in, ( Mark 2 : 27- 28) :'Jesus said unto Pharisees ,"The sabbath was made for man, & not man for the sabbath:Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath."
About Jesus, God said, "I will make Him [Christ] My first-born, higher than the kings of the earth”.(Psalm 89 : 27)
And,
(Matthew 11 : 27) states :'All things of The Father are delivered unto Jesus .'
'All authority in heaven & on earth has been also given to Jesus .' (Matthew 28:18 )
Even, the authority to lay down His life & authority to take it up again.' (John 10:18)
Jesus kept the importance of
holiness of the Sabbath day _:
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This is seen in,(Matt. 24: 20):'He said, to the disciples:"Pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day."
Though the commandment about Sabbath is the fourth, of the ten commandments, A lawyer asked Jesus, " Master, which is the great commandment in the law Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart;with all thy soul & with all thy mind.This is the first & great commandment & the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law & the
prophets.' ( Matt. 22 : 36 -40 )
But, Jesus did good works
on Sabbath day, such as :
1) Healing a man having withered hand.
( Matt12 :1-13) states :'At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn & his discip les were an hungred & began to pluck in the ears of corn to eat.
When the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy discipl es do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day."But he said unto them," Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred & they that were with him; How he entered into the house of God & did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat ,neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not read in the law,
how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath & are blameless? But I say unto you, That in this place is one
greater than the temple.lf ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy & not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. Later, He went into their synago gue:& behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. & they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? Jesus said unto them, "What man shall there be among you, that
shall have one sheep & if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it & lift it out ? How much then is a man better than a sheep ? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days." Then saith he to the man, " Stretch forth thine hand" & he stretched it forth & it was restored whole, like as the other. '
2) He healed a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years. (Luke 13:11-12)
3) He healed a man born blind on the Sabbath. (John 9:1,14)
4) He healed a man at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, (John 5: 5,8)
Thus ,
CHRIST IS A FULFILLMENT
& THE SIGN OF THE OLD COVENANT OF THE SABBATH
; BETWEEN GOD & US FOR EVER.
(Romans 10:4) says:' For Christ is the end of the law for righteous ness to everyone who believes.' And,
(Collossians 2 : 16) says :'Let no man judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon or of the sabbath days.'
What a beautiful collection of verses! Thanks so much, Usha! ❤️
I love so much about this post! Honoring the Sabbath had truly changed my life the last 2 years since God opened my eyes and directed me to it. In my Bible study and research I discovered that God made the 7th day holy and set it apart - that’s Saturday. God didn’t change that - man did in the 4th century. There’s nothing legalistic about honoring the Sabbath on Saturday. We are honoring God and showing Him love when we obey His commands as He instructed. And He blesses us for it. I encourage all to study the Scriptures and pray for eyes to see His beautiful will for us. 🙏🏻💚
I absolutely love this, Heather! ❤️ Thank you so much for sharing!!